DARTMOUTH — This summer, people can immerse themselves in Lusophone, or Portuguese-speaking countries' cultures by taking capoeira and folk dance classes, a fado workshop or more at UMass Dartmouth.

CAROL KOZMA

DARTMOUTH — This summer, people can immerse themselves in Lusophone, or Portuguese-speaking countries' cultures by taking capoeira and folk dance classes, a fado workshop or more at UMass Dartmouth.

"We as instructors and those involved in the program are extremely passionate about keeping that culture alive," said Serena Rivera, a Ph.D. student in Luso-Afro-Brazilian Studies and Theory at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and an instructor in the summer program.

"We want other people to be passionate about it too."

This will be the 21st Annual Program in Portuguese that the university has held, according to a news release.

What makes the course unique, Rivera said, is its location in a Portuguese and Cape Verdean center.

For example, students go out to eat at Antonio's in New Bedford and in intensive Portuguese language courses, students learn from Brazilian and European Portuguese speakers, she said.

"Its not just about memorizing verbs and conjugations, it's about people behind it and the culture and the history."

In the past, high school students, UMass Dartmouth students, people who are traveling to a Portuguese speaking countries and people from as far as Macau, China, have participated.

"It's really a very diverse group of people who end up enrolling," Rivera said.

This year's program includes two online courses, "The Art of Portugal" and "Brazil: History and Culture," as well as intensive beginners and intermediate Portuguese language courses.

The program also includes movie showings, guest lectures, concerts, and other events.

On-campus housing is available, and those interested can seek scholarships to waive some fees. The university awards 10 to 15 scholarships a year, Rivera said.

The program, a collaboration by the Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture, and departments of Portuguese and History, will take place from July 8 to Aug. 6 at UMass Dartmouth.